10 Best Glucosamine for Dogs in 2019 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Dogs grow old. Some age gracefully, while others grow old with chronic diseases. Among the well-known medical conditions, senior dogs experience is the deterioration of their cartilage which leads to muscle and joint stiffness. In some cases, this condition becomes very painful both for your dog and you. Now, there’s a need to do something about it and the best supplement that will prove effective in easing your dogs’ joint pain is glucosamine; the reason why the best glucosamine for dogs is necessary.

Glucosamine is a substance found in bodies of dogs, which has the ability to produce glycosaminoglycan that helps in repairing tissues such as cartilage. As dogs grow older, the concentration of glucosamine in their bodies decreases, so the need to give an oral administration. Before giving your dog any type of glucosamine, first of all, you need to consult your vet to know which is best. Below is our ten best glucosamine for dogs in 2019.

The great blend of MSM, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, co-enzyme Q10, omega-3 and omega- 6 essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and glucosamine makes the Doggie Dailies Best Glucosamine Chews for Dogs occupy top spot in our best glucosamine for dogs.

Compared to the other brands, it doesn’t have as much glucosamine, but Doggie Dailies did more to make up for it by including other nutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving swelling, pain, and stiffness from canine arthritis as well as other joint problems found in dogs.

The soft chews in this chicken flavor also makes it easier to administer to pets while ensuring general wellness and health for your pet.

Top 10 Best Glucosamine for Dogs with Reviews

Owners of dogs trust the Doggie Dailies Best Glucosamine Chews for Dogs to protect the joints of their dogs as well as ensure an effective and safer way to manage their joint pain. Of course, it contains 100 mg of glucosamine but it makes up for it by including all-natural ingredients well proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits into its formulation. Aside from this, it also includes cod liver and salmon oil, which are two great sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

The formulation of chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM is simply the best for your dog. The Doggie Dailies seems more like glucosamine dog treats since it comes in a treat-like form and soft chew. If you’re searching for the best joint supplement for your dog, then you should go for the Doggie Dailies.

The TerraMax Pro Best Liquid Glucosamine for Dogs is formulated with chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM for healthy cartilage and maximum joint support. It also includes hyaluronic acid, which gives the joint a thicker cushioning, and as a result, reduces stiffness and pain. This supplement contains human-grade ingredients and it excludes salt, sugar, milk, wheat, or soy derivatives.

According to reviews, dogs are okay with the taste of this supplement and the owners saw great changes in their dogs’ mobility after a short while, mostly after using it for six weeks. This glucosamine can be administered easily, what you need to do is pour the required dosage to the food and drinking water of your dog. Ensure you consult your vet about the right dosage before administering this glucosamine.

This supplement has the right quantity of glucosamine as well as other joint-specific nutraceuticals which works interactively with vitamins C and E.

The inclusion of bioflavonoids also reduces inflammatory processes linked with arthritis, allowing your dog to move comfortably without going through pain. The addition of vitamin C is great to increase collagen production which is very important in strengthening the joint tissues. With beef accounting for the great flavor, administering this supplement will be very easy.

The glucosamine and chondroitin offer support and repair to the joints and cartilage. It also retains flexibility. The inclusion of MSM is to offer relief to dogs suffering from Arthritis as well as soothe inflammation. It is considered as the best natural glucosamine around by dog owners and vets.

The manufacturers offer a lifetime money-back guarantee, so you should be rest assured about the quality of this product. This glucosamine is great for small dogs and large dogs, active dogs, as well as dogs suffering from hip dysplasia and other joint problems.

Nutramax Cosequin DS Plus Best Glucosamine for Dogs is a joint health supplement recommended by vets with four to six weeks initial loading period. However, some dogs respond earlier than that. Cosequin, which is also known as glucosamine is mixed with MSM which helps in supporting your dog’s joints. It gives your dog the opportunity to maintain or regain their healthy lifestyle and mobility.

This mix of ingredients work hand in hand to support cartilage production as well as protect the joints of your dog. When the first loading phase is over, you can then reduce the quantity according to the size of your dog during the maintenance stage.

According to vets from around the globe, Dasuquin as a brand, is known as the best for joint supplement. Nutramax has revealed that this Chewable supplement supports the function of joints, shields the cartilage from destruction, and helps in cartilage production. It is one of the most complete supplements for joint support out there in the market.

With more than ten years of research and clinical use, to maximize its benefits, this formulation is paired with MSM. You could say that Nutramax Dasuquin with MSM Chewables is the strengthened version of Cosequin.

Some consumers revealed that this product acts quickly with their dogs having their mobility restored within 2 weeks to one month which means new users should start seeing visible changes soon after starting supplementation.

This Liquid Health K9 Best Glucosamine for dogs Hip and Joint Formula combines glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin, to produce a very strong formula that keeps your dog happy and healthy with pain-free and flexible joints. Design to offer support to the structural integrity of dog’s joints, this formulation can also play a role in avoiding arthritis in younger dogs.

It is easier to administer the liquid form to some dogs but if they tolerate it, you can also add a bit of this formulation in their drinking water or inserted right into their mouth.The hyaluronic acid present, helps in lubricating your dog’s joints. This formulation restores the mobility of your pup and controls joint issues. It also reduces the pain dogs go through due to hip and elbow dysplasia.

If you’re not just searching for a preventative formula and your dog is getting closer to its golden years, then the Zesty Paws Senior Advanced Best Glucosamine for Dogs is for you. It is made up of a combination of very active ingredients that ensures mobility and flexibility; it also gives comfort to your older pup once again.

This formulation contains chondroitin and glucosamine which helps to lubricate joints as well as reduce arthritic joint pains. The distillation stage of MSM which is also included in the formula boasts of 99.9% purity. Dogs find Ingredients that are organic and natural more palatable and better, with vitamins C and E to boost the flexibility and strength of your dog and keep them on a high.

The ProSense Glucosamine Chewable Tablets for Dogs contains glucosamine in high concentrations to help fight worse cases of joint damage in dogs suffering from arthritis and can also work as a prophylactic. This formula also includes vitamin C and chondroitin in a very easy-to-chew formula that is loved by most dogs.

Giving this supplement to your dog just after a meal or mixing it with food will reduce their risks of having an upset stomach. You can be sure of this product knowing fully well that it has the seal of approval of the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council). This means that this glucosamine has passed through independent quality checks.

You didn’t expect the inclusion of eggshell meal in this formulation of chondroitin and glucosamine for dogs. The good thing is that eggshells are great sources of calcium while their membranes are sources of chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and amino acids containing sulfur.

Seeing this ingredient included with other natural ingredients is something great. You’re not only ensuring your pet has an arthritis-free life, but you’re guaranteeing a healthier coat, skin, immune system, dentition, and general body health. With the manner in which these soft chews are manufactured, you can be sure of your pet’s safety.

Pros

It is easily administered

Safe for all dog breeds, types, and ages

Have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

Optimum bone and joint health

Cons

Lower glucosamine content

Some pet parents may not find the 30-day money-back guarantee appealing

Glucosamine Buying Guide: Updated Aug 2019

Forms of Glucosamine for Dogs

As mentioned earlier, Glucosamine is a natural element that help relieve your dog of pain from arthritis and joint disease. There are different forms; whichever form you pick depends on your dog and how much relief it brings to him.

Basic Supplements

Glucosamine supplements are readily available for humans ay most health and grocery shops. So many owners reported great success from these inexpensive brands, the same way canine-specific pills were successful. These supplements can be bought in gel capsules which your dog will love to eat when mixed with his food.

Supplements with MSM

When you go searching for pet supplies and veterinary websites for glucosamine, you will discover that they are mixed with a naturally-occurring amino acid known as MSM. The main reason why MSM is usually included is that it helps the body absorb supplements and vitamins more readily. Theoretically, this will make it easier for your pet to convert chondroitin and glucosamine into usable forms.

Cetyl Myristoleate

This is a type of fatty acid that is derived from myristoleic acid which has been proven to maintain good joint health in mice. These tablets also contain chondroitin and glucosamine to promote health to joints; it can be purchased at pet stores and online. Cetyl Myristoleate has been highly effective in assisting pets to recover from arthritis and severe hip dysplasia; however, it is costlier than traditional glucosamine pills.

Hyaluronic Acid Supplements

One form of glucosamine tablets is Hyaluronic Acid Capsules. Hyaluronic Acid is formed when glucuronic acid mixes with glucosamine forms.

Manufacturers of Hyaluronic Acid Supplements claim that these supplements are better compared to the simple glucosamine-chondroitin tablets, simply because the glucosamine in the former has already been converted into the active form.

Vitamins for older dogs

Since senior dogs usually fall victim to joint problems, glucosamine is usually added to older dog vitamins, which makes other supplements that may be required by your older dog available. Even dog owners, who don’t know about the positive effects of glucosamine, may give these supplements to their dogs, which will improve the general health of their dog as well as improve its joints.

Things to consider when purchasing the best glucosamine for your dog

Anytime you want to buy the best glucosamine for your dog, ensure you keep some things in mind before you go ahead.

Type and quantity of glucosamine

For some reasons, you’ll prefer a supplement that will give a higher glucosamine concentration to your dog. However, it is advisable to consult your vet concerning the actual quantity of glucosamine required daily by your dog, before going ahead to buy one for yourself. You need to consider its age, health condition, and size. You should go for glucosamine HCl as this has higher glucosamine concentrations compared to glucosamine KCl and glucosamine sulfate.

Method of administration

Consider your dog’s preferences when it comes to drugs or supplement administration. Some dogs prefer chewable tablets or soft chews, although some dislike these preparations completely. We have glucosamine supplements manufactured in liquid and powder forms that can be mixed easily with water or food. Select one that is easily administered, but more importantly consider what your dog will be very comfortable with.

Well-combined supplement

It is usually better to find a well-combined supplement that works with just one ingredient formulation. At least, you should go for one containing the combination of chondroitin and glucosamine as these substances work effectively to improve the arthritis symptoms in dogs. If you can also go for one that has hyaluronic acid and MSM, then it should be worth it.

Process involved in manufacturing

Heat has this strange ability to destroy the quality of nutrients. Due to this fact, you should dig deeper into the company’s manufacturing practices. Methods involving cold-press extrusion methods are usually the best as they maintain the nutrients present in the ingredients so your dog could benefit from what you’re administering to him.

Tips to help you pick the best Glucosamine product for your Dog

Below are six tips to help you make the right choice of Product

Go for a supplement that has multiple active ingredients

Purchase products manufactured in the USA

Check the product’s number of active ingredients

For dogs having allergies, go for the hypoallergenic option

Consider the taste and the format of this product

Frequently Asked Questions

What is glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural substance found in animals’ bones, which includes dogs and shells of crustaceans as well as other living things. Glucosamine is a natural precursor for producing proteoglycans, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans.

Glucosamine can be referred to as the base through which other substances are formed. It is mainly indicated in pain management and stiffness linked with arthritis, coupled with improving the general joint function by producing substances that are vital for joint health.

Cartilage cells turn over within a short time. It could be very difficult repairing the cartilage if it gets damaged, which could cause inflammation as well as pain while moving the joints. Glucosamine plays a vital role in increasing the rate at which the repair of damaged cartilage takes place.

How much time does glucosamine need to work?

Some dog owners reported that they started noticing some improvements in their dogs in just six weeks, although it could take a month before some see any changes in their dog’s symptoms.

The reason behind this varying change is very simple. No two dogs behave the same way. This means that there’s no way we can tell when exactly you’ll begin to see improvements after administering glucosamine to your dog.

These changes could also be due to how serious the joint problem is, the response of your dog to glucosamine, and the factors that could have a negative impact on the effects of glucosamine.

When is the right time to give my dog glucosamine?

Some dog breeds are more prone to developing hip dysplasia, arthritis, as well as other joint problems. Due to this reason, if your dog is susceptible to these conditions, you are advised to start including glucosamine and chondroitin to its diet as early as age 12 months, or immediately your dog’s body stops growing.

Dogs that easily have joint problems include Basset hounds, German Shepherds, French bulldogs, golden retrievers, Great Danes, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Chow Chows, Basset hounds, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, and Saint Bernards, among others. If you have one or more of these dogs, then you should give them glucosamine immediately they are 12 months old.

If your dog has no genetic link with joint problems, it is still wise to consult your vet. Generally, vets will advise that glucosamine be given to your dog when it gets to the senior years.

My dog is fed with food containing glucosamine. Should I still get a supplement?

This all depends on the quantity of glucosamine required by your dog. On average, every dog requires around 20 mg of glucosamine per each pound of its weight. Take, for instance, you have a dog of weight 10-lb, this means it requires around 200 mg of glucosamine daily.

Now check if this quantity of glucosamine is present in your dog’s food. If it’s below 200 mg daily, then you’re advised to include glucosamine supplements for your dog. If higher, then you don’t need to.

Conclusion

One very important thing to note is that our dogs are unique individuals. Note that each and every one of them has a unique genetic make-up, special needs, as well as taste and preferences. There’s nothing that can hurt you more than seeing your lovely dog go through pain. Although we know patience is a virtue, most times we definitely cannot exercise this whenever someone precious to us is going through pains.

However, before handling things rashly, make sure you, first of all, consult your vet; this is because he or she has the experience concerning dogs, dosing, and illnesses. They have great knowledge about the health background and specific needs of your pet. They also know the type of products that are safe and the ones to avoid.

Another important thing to note is the amount of dosage. Instead of going through the label’s general guideline, the safest move for your dog is to ask your vet. Giving joint supplements to your dog slows down and prevents joint deterioration, helping them move around like when they were younger.

Written by Kyle Allerson

Dogs grow old. Some age gracefully, while others grow old with chronic diseases. Among the well-known medical conditions, senior dogs experience is the det